Sewell School students portray their favorite book characters for Read Across America

MANTUA TWP. — Sewell School students took their Read Across America celebration to the next level on Friday when they stepped inside their favorite books and took on the role of the main character.

"I wear fancy clothes, such as a tall hat, and I always have the hat with me because I'm bald," said Mason Weiss, 9, playing the role of the "Dumb Man" character from his self-written book series of the same name. "I live in New Jersey in a mansion a the present time and, as you people know, I do a lot of dumb stuff."

View full sizeSewell School third-grader Jake Gamber, 9, takes on the role of Harry Potter during a Read Across America" event at the school. Staff Photo by Joe Warner/Gloucester County Times

Mason explained some of those "dumb" adventures, including turning a rabbit into a monster, jumping off Mount Everest and turning to ice at the North Pole.

"You have to read my book because it's funny and cool and will blow your socks off," he said.

Next, Cal Gheysens, 9, became the colonial ranger who starred in his favorite book, "Colonial America: An Interactive History Adventure."

"I have a blanket roll to sleep on, a satchel for my belongings, a musket for battle and a hatchet for cutting things, such as wood for protection," said Cal, showing off his costume and supplies. "It's 1759, and the French and Indian War is happening. I'm at Fort Ticonderoga, and I'm working for the British army who are trying to take over the fort. I must do a lot of dangerous work."

Cal encouraged his classmates to read his favorite book because there are three unique story paths to take.

"Read the book to find out more about colonial life as a ranger and an indentured servant," he said.

Harry Potter — specifically in his role for "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" — was portrayed by Jake Gamber, 9.

"Every day, I'm required to wear this uniform to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," said Jake/Harry. "I bet you're wondering, if I go to a magical school, am I magical? And where does the magic come from? A wand, of course."

Jake told his classmates the basic plot of his favorite book, that an "infamous" prisoner named Sirius Black has escaped from the high-security magical prison and is attempting to contact Harry.

"You can enjoy all the excitement and unpredictable adventures by reading it for yourself," he said.

Finally, John Chinchillo, 8, presented his portrayal of one of this country's most famous inventors — Benjamin Franklin. John's favorite book was "Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares."

"I spent most of my life in Philadelphia and invented many things," said John/Benjamin. "Do you have hospitals today? I opened the first one. Fire stations? I invented the first one of those too. I created the Magic Squares game, the Franklin stove, bifocal glasses and much more."

"Bet you were wondering why I have flippers on," continued John, showing off the oddest part of his costume. "When I was 11, I wanted to swim faster than anyone, so I invented them."